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Specify Time and Amounts of Payments - Entering your hourly rate and projected time for completion, or the total amount of payment for the project may not be enough. Depending on the project's scope, the contract should include: Any portion of fees to be paid upfront. Any fees to be paid at milestones as a project proceeds. Payment for work completed if a client cancels the contract. Late fees if the client doesn't pay on time. Hourly rate for your time due to delays caused by the client or for client's request to perform additional work.

Except for a sole proprietorship, enter your business entity's name and not a personal name as a party to the contract. Otherwise, Cohen adds, "you will be personally 'on the hook' and you have lost the limited liability that was likely one of your reasons for forming the entity in the first place. Never blur the distinction between you and the entity you own or represent."